Search - Dan Mcmillion :: Nice N Juicy

Top of the Class

John Tapscott | Canada | 10/13/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Every Dan McMillion CD is a tip of the cap to his musical idol, Maynard Ferguson. The McMillion Orchestra's latest release "Nice N' Juicy" is also a tribute to Dan's wife Lillian, who passed away in the spring of 2009.



It is pleasing to report that this new 2009 CD is easily up to the standard of Dan's previous Seabreeze releases. In fact, this one ranks with "Give It One" at the top of the class. The sound quality and production values are first-rate.



As always, Dan McMillion digs deep into Ferguson book and comes up with strong charts which represent a variety of grooves and the breadth of Ferguson's music. From the 60's Ferguson band we get "My Funny Valentine": from the 70's the very popular "MacArthur Park", along with the funky, swinging title track, and a relatively short but very effective version of "Hey Jude." From the 80's band comes "Thriller" and "Lush Life." Surprising perhaps, but most welcome are two prime Dennis DiBlasio charts from Ferguson's final CD - the complex and hard swinging "Surviving Soho", and the reflective "Vita Bella".



Dan McMillion always chooses several charts for his CD's from outside the Ferguson book. In this case, he has chosen extremely well. "Love for Sale", the superb Pete Meyers arrangement for the Buddy Rich band, and Shorty Rogers' happy swinger, "Blues Express", really add variety to the program.



McMillion`s Florida based Orchestra is very cohesive and plays the charts with lots of spirit. Some of the band's fine soloists include saxophonists David Moss and Bobbie (or Bobby) DeAngelis; trombonists Keith Oshiro and Chris Clifton; trumpeters John Robinson and Matt McCarthy; and pianist Richard Drexler. A word of praise goes to lead trumpeter Chad Shoopman and drummer Glen Bush whose essential contributions keep the music tight and on-course.



There was only one Maynard Ferguson, but Dan McMillion is a masterful trumpeter in his own right. He plays Maynard's challenging parts (on trumpet, valve trombone and flugelhorn) with accuracy, verve and power, and stamps them with his own musical personality. This is really the secret to the Dan McMillion Jazz Orchestra. Though playing charts from other bands, the McMillion band plays them with enough creativity and personality to make them their own. The listener can enjoy them without constantly making comparisons with other versions.



"Nice N' Juicy" is a successful and very enjoyable CD. It is highly recommended to fans of the Dan Million Orchestra, and to all who enjoy the musical legacy of Maynard Ferguson."

Nice N' Juicy

Mrs. G. D. Cushnie | UK | 11/18/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The album was excellent and we had a review within our Family and everyone loved it.

Individual Solos were very profesional and sharp and well worth many listens, especially

in the car where the sound can be at full blast.

I enjoyed every moment of the experience of listening and I hope to continue the enjoyment

for a long time.

We should be hearing more of this album in the UK, if it can be arranged."